By VoiceNews.africa Editorial 
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has strongly opposed the Ministry of Education’s proposal to reduce government capitation for day secondary schools, calling the directive “unacceptable” and “a threat to free basic education.”
Speaking during a Full Gospel Churches of Kenya event in Murang’a, Nyoro revealed that principals have received a circular referencing a 2015 Gazette Notice that would slash capitation from KSh 22,000 to KSh 12,000 per learner.
He warned that the move will force parents to pay KSh 9,300 in additional fees plus food costs, pushing annual day school expenses to over KSh 20,000.
Nyoro emphasised that many parents in Kiharu cannot afford such fees, noting that under the Kiharu Masomo Bora programme, some still struggle to raise even the current KSh 1,000 contribution.
“If you deny a child education because a parent cannot pay, you destroy that child’s future. We cannot allow anyone to interfere with free basic education,” he said.
He also criticised the government for issuing conflicting statements, which he described as part of a deliberate effort to weaken free education in Kenya.
Call for JSS Confirmation by January
Nyoro demanded the immediate confirmation of 20,000 junior secondary school interns, whose one-year contracts expire in December.
He criticised the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for remaining silent as the new term approaches, saying the interns—who earn KSh 17,000—have been carrying the weight of JSS since rollout.
Nyoro insisted that these teachers must be placed on permanent and pensionable terms.
“If no budget exists, use Article 223. Spend now and regularise in Parliament later. As MPs, we will ratify it,” he said.
At the same time, he faulted the government for funding politics while the lecturers’ strike halts learning. He addressed the ongoing lecturers’ strike, now over 40 days, caused by a Ksh 7 billion debt owed by the government.
He questioned how billions can be spent on political activities while universities remain closed and learning has been halted nationwide.
“We must return to basics. Stop pouring billions into politics and invest in what matters—education for our children, our teachers, and our future,” he stated.